Ashley Etienne, previously serving as the communications director for Vice President Harris, has identified Senator JD Vance of Ohio as a formidable opponent for Harris in a debate setting. In a conversation with CNN’s Laura Coates, Etienne highlighted Vance’s debating prowess and his appeal to the small yet crucial segment of undecided voters who engage with debate content.
Etienne praised Vance’s intellectual agility and his ability to connect with the audience, suggesting that his presence on the debate stage could pose a significant challenge to Harris. This sentiment comes amidst speculation that former President Trump is considering potential vice-presidential candidates who could effectively counter Harris in a debate.
Trump’s search for a running mate has intensified, with vetting processes underway for several candidates, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Senators Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, and Vance. The list also features Representative Byron Donalds, Representative Elise Stefanik, and Trump’s former Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson.
At 39, Vance stands out as one of the youngest senators and a youthful choice on Trump’s list for vice-presidential consideration. Following Trump’s conviction on multiple felony counts, Vance publicly defended the former president, alongside other VP hopefuls.
Trump hinted during an interview with Fox News’s Aishah Hasnie that his choice for vice president might have been among those present during a meeting with the Republican congressional delegation. He plans to announce his selection at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Vice President Harris has expressed her readiness to take on any of the prospective vice-presidential nominees, asserting her preparedness to advocate her case regardless of Trump’s pick. Her confidence is backed by her previous debate performance in the 2020 election against then-Vice President Mike Pence, where polls indicated a favorable opinion of her debate skills among viewers. Harris’s stance reflects a readiness to engage with the political challenges ahead, maintaining a focus on the issues at hand and the forthcoming electoral debates.